Whirlpool Fridge Not Cooling [9 Causes and Fixes]

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A Whirlpool fridge that is not cooling is the last thing you need. If you don’t fix this problem, stored food inside your fridge will spoil, which means money wasted. What is the cause of a Whirlpool fridge not cooling? 

The most common cause of a Whirlpool fridge not cooling is dirty condenser coils. If the condenser coils cannot dissipate the heat from the refrigerant gas, your fridge will not cool. Condenser coils clogged with dirt and other debris will not be effective in releasing heat from the gas.

In a Whirlpool refrigerator, hot gas generated by the compressor is carried by the condenser coils to the evaporator coils. As the high-pressure gas travels through these coils, it cools down and goes back to its liquid form. However, if there are clogged condenser coils, there will be poor air circulation. This condition hampers the ability of the fridge to remain cold.

9 possible causes of a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling:

  1. Temperature Setting of the Fridge
  2. Power Outlet
  3. Check the Door Seals
  4. Fridge Door Has Been Opened Frequently
  5. Recently Added a Large Batch of Food in the Fridge
  6. Temperature Is Hotter than Normal
  7. Heat Source Next to the Fridge
  8. Temperature Setting of the Fridge
  9. Part Is Malfunctioning

9 possible fixes of a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling:

  1. Clean the Condenser Coils
  2. Set the Fridge to the Right Temperature Setting
  3. Fix the Condenser Fan Motor
  4. Fix the Evaporator Fan Motor
  5. Fix the Start Capacitor
  6. Fix the Temperature Control Thermostat
  7. Fix the Start Relay
  8. Fix the Thermistor
  9. Fix the Compressor

Read on to learn more about why your Whirlpool fridge is not cooling and how you can fix this problem.

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Whirlpool Fridge Not Cooling

The most common cause of a Whirlpool fridge not getting cold – or any fridge brand that cannot maintain a cold temperature – is dirty condenser coils. Another cause is a defective thermostat, but dirty coils are the most prevalent.

When your fridge has clogged coils with dirt and all kinds of debris, it cannot function well. It cannot dissipate the heat from the refrigerant gas coming from the compressor. The refrigerant gas passes through these coils, and if these coils are dirty and clogged, they won’t be able to release the heat generated by the gas.

As the compressor releases the hot refrigerant gas, it travels inside the condenser coils all the way up to the evaporator coils and turns back into its original liquid form. If your fridge can’t stay cold, check your condenser coils. Most probably, they are dirty and clogged.

You can easily fix this problem. Cleaning and unclogging the coils should do the job. If these coils are relatively clean and your fridge remains the same, there may be some other problems. I will discuss this topic in the following sections of this article.

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whirlpool fridge not cooling

9 Possible Causes of a Whirlpool Fridge Not Cooling

As I have said, dirty or clogged condenser coils are a common problem of a Whirlpool fridge that cannot maintain its cold temperature. But there are other causes as well. So, if you’re unsure about the cause, the first thing you need to do is perform initial troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting involves the following:

1. Temperature Setting of the Fridge

If the freezer is working but cannot maintain its coldness, check the fridge’s temperature setting. Read the fridge’s user manual and see if the recommended optimal temperature setting is the same as the one in your fridge. If not, then set it at the recommended temperature.

2. Power Outlet

Perhaps there’s no power coming from the convenience outlet, that’s why your fridge can’t cool the temperature inside. So, check if the cord is connected snugly to the electrical outlet. Check the electric cord as well. It may be defective and can’t deliver power to the fridge.

Lastly, check the circuit breaker. Perhaps a fuse that connects to the fridge has blown. If so, replace the fuse and switch it back on.

3. Check the Door Seals

Defective door seals are also a common cause of a fridge that can’t remain cold. So, check if some sections of the door seal are loose or are already defective.

If there are some defects in the seal, the cold temperature will be able to escape through them. And if there are already gaps, damages, and other defects, have the seal replaced by a qualified refrigerator technician.

4. Fridge Door Has Been Opened Frequently

Monitor the use of your fridge. Perhaps you have been so busy cooking that you have opened the fridge door more often than usual. If this is true, the temperature inside will naturally go up.

You can avoid this situation if you get all the food you want from the fridge at once. It is also good to organize the food inside the fridge. Place all the food that you commonly need near the door to get them out quickly.

5. Recently Added a Large Batch of Food in the Fridge

More food inside the fridge will make the compressor work more to generate the required temperature to preserve them. If this is true, it will take time for the fridge to cool down. And if it is taxed to its full capacity, it may be unable to produce the required cold temperature.

6. Temperature Is Hotter than Normal

The fridge will also work extra time if the temperature in the environment is hotter than normal. That means the fridge won’t be able to generate the cool temperature that it typically produces during normal weather conditions.

At normal temperatures, your fridge runs from 40-80 percent of the time. But at hotter temperatures, it will run more than 80 percent of the time.

7. Heat Source Next to the Fridge

You should install your fridge inside the house, preferably in the kitchen. Place it in a location where it is far from a heat source. If your fridge is near a heater or anything that generates heat, your fridge will work hard in maintaining a cool temperature.

In addition, the temperature in its location should only range from 55°F (13°C) to 110°F (43°C).

8. Temperature Setting of the Fridge

When the fridge comes out of the factory, its temperature is preset at factory settings. This preset temperature is commonly at mid-setting, which is the best for normal household conditions.

Check the user’s manual for your particular issue and modify the setting if you think the fridge is not cooling enough.

9. Part Is Malfunctioning

But if the problem still persists after checking all of the above and making the necessary corrections, it is time for you to call for help.

Get in touch with a professional refrigeration technician if your fridge is already out of warranty. But if it is still within the warranty period, call the manufacturer’s service department for help.

We’ve answered the question, “Why is my whirlpool refrigerator not cooling or freezing?” or “Whirlpool refrigerator not getting cold?” Next, let’s look at common fixes to this issue.

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whirlpool fridge not cooling enough

9 Possible Fixes to a Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing

There are several fixes to a Whirlpool fridge not cooling enough or at all. Some of the fixes may require a professional, but you can do a few yourself.

1. Clean the Condenser Coils

You can do this fix by yourself if you have the time.

Steps

  1. First, you have to pull the fridge away from the wall. It will give you better access to the condenser coils, which are located at the back of the fridge. You may also need to remove some protective coverings before you can access the coil.
  2. Get a portable vacuum cleaner and vacuum all the coils as well as the outer parts of the fridge.
  3. Scrub the stubborn dirt on the coils with a dry brush.
  4. Give a final vacuum to the coils and outer parts of the fridge.
  5. Check if this procedure fixes the problem.

2. Set the Fridge to the Right Temperature Setting

You can also do this fix by yourself.

Steps

  1. Set the right temperature based on what is recommended in the user’s manual.
  2. Wait at least 24 hours for the change to take effect and recheck if the problem is fixed.
  3. To make the fridge colder, set the temperature control to the next higher setting. And to make it less cold, set the temperature to the next lower setting.
  4. Repeat doing these steps until you achieve your desired temperature.

3. Fix the Condenser Fan Motor

This is an electric motor that draws air over the condenser coils to the compressor. If it is malfunctioning, your fridge won’t cool properly. Also, check the fan blade if there are any obstructions. Then try to turn the fan motor by hand.

If it can’t freely spin, replace the fan motor. It is a job that needs a professional, so call for help.

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4. Fix the Evaporator Fan Motor

This motor draws air over the evaporator coils and then circulates it all over the fridge and the freezer. In most refrigerators, the evaporator is located in the freezer compartment. If the evaporator is malfunctioning, it will still be able to make the freezer cold. However, it will not be able to circulate cold air inside the fridge.

Try to turn the evaporator fan motor by hand. And if it won’t move, replace the evaporator motor. Moreover, it is a job that needs a professional, so call for help.

5. Fix the Start Capacitor

This capacitor generates a power boost to the compressor when it is turned on. If it is malfunctioning, the compressor will not be able to start. The heart of the fridge is the compressor. And if it is not working, the fridge will not cool.

You can check if it is working or not by using a multimeter. Moreover, you can replace it if you have tools, such as a multimeter, soldering iron, pliers, and other stuff. But if you don’t have the tools, it would be better to call for professional help.

6. Fix the Temperature Control Thermostat

This thermostat directs voltage to the compressor and evaporator fan motor. In some fridge models, it can also direct voltage to the condenser fan motor. If it malfunctions, the refrigerator won’t be able to run.

Rotate this thermostat from its lowest setting to its highest setting and listen if it will click. If it clicks, it may not be defective. However, if it does not click, get a multimeter and check its continuity. If there is no continuity, have it replaced by a professional technician.

whirlpool refrigerator not cooling but freezer is working

7. Fix the Start Relay

The start relay works with the start winding so the compressor can start. If it is malfunctioning, the compressor will not run sometimes or may not even run at all. And this will result in your fridge not being cold enough.

Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the start relay between the start and run terminal sockets. If there is none, ask a professional technician to replace it.

8. Fix the Thermistor

A thermistor monitors the temperature inside the fridge. It sends its temperature readings to the control board, where the condenser and evaporator’s power is controlled.

If the thermistor is malfunctioning, the compressor and evaporator will not run when they need to run. Therefore, it will result in a fridge that cannot maintain its cold temperature. Check the thermistor with a multimeter for continuity.

The resistance should also change together with the temperature of the fridge. But if it does not change or there is no continuity, have it replaced by a professional technician.

9. Fix the Compressor

The compressor is an electrical device that can compress the refrigerant and then circulate it through the evaporator and condenser coils. A defective compressor will result in a fridge that won’t cool.

Compressor problems are not usual. But you can also check it if you have done all the above fixes and the problem still persists. Call a professional refrigeration technician for a compressor replacement.

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Conclusion – Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling

Why is your Whirlpool fridge not cooling enough or at all? The most common cause of a Whirlpool fridge not getting cold is dirty condenser coils. The function of the condenser coils is to dissipate heat from the refrigerant gas. If your fridge cannot keep its coolness, these coils are probably malfunctioning.

Condenser coils that are clogged with dirt and other debris will not be able to release heat from the gas effectively. You can fix the problem by cleaning these coils.

9 possible causes of a Whirlpool fridge not getting cold:

  1. Temperature Setting of the Fridge
  2. Power Outlet
  3. Check the Door Seals
  4. Fridge Door Has Been Opened Frequently
  5. Recently Added a Large Batch of Food in the Fridge
  6. Temperature Is Hotter than Normal
  7. Heat Source Next to the Fridge
  8. Temperature Setting of the Fridge
  9. Part Is Malfunctioning

9 possible fixes of a Whirlpool fridge not getting cold:

  1. Clean the Condenser Coils
  2. Set the Fridge to the Right Temperature Setting
  3. Fix the Condenser Fan Motor
  4. Fix the Evaporator Fan Motor
  5. Fix the Start Capacitor
  6. Fix the Temperature Control Thermostat
  7. Fix the Start Relay
  8. Fix the Thermistor
  9. Fix the Compressor

If you try the possible fixes we discussed, your Whirlpool fridge should start cooling again.

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